Fiscal Note
This proposed ordinance establishes a City policy of avoiding purchases from vendors and contractors who obtain goods that originate in "sweatshops." The adoption of such a policy statement has no direct budgetary impact.
The ordinance also expressly creates the responsibility to disseminate information regarding ordinance requirements in all contracts and agreements involving requests for City financial assistance, to administer pre-bid disclosure documentation required from potential bidders, and to investigate the merits of any complaint received from any person regarding potential ordinance violations. The ordinance also creates a City Committee on Sweatfree Purchases. There are no staff or other resources budgeted or available for the implementation, monitoring, enforcement, or committee staffing provisions of this proposed ordinance.
Title
Creating Section 4.25 of the Madison General Ordinances relating to city procurement of items of apparel (sweat-free procurement policies).
Body
DRAFTER'S ANALYSIS: This ordinance creates a procedure to ensure that city procurements of apparel of $5,000 or more are not made from a "sweatshop," in furtherance of the policy declared in Resolution # 05-00361, adopted April 19, 2005. The ordinance lists several minimum workplace standards which, if not followed, would mean that the contractor (or its subcontractors) are operating a sweatshop. This would apply to the city's contractor and also requires the contractor to hold their subcontractors or third-party suppliers to the same standards. The standards are intended primarily for suppliers located outside the U.S. where the applicable law or practices do not already provide the minimum protections necessary. This is accomplished by making compliance with these standards a condition of doing business with the city. The ordinance would apply prospectively, with enforcement hinged upon compliance with the ordinance and mandatory contract term...
Click here for full text